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Belgium's Foreign Minister, Mr. Van Elslande, pledged his country's support on Friday (February 22) for the Independence of the former Portuguese colony of Guinea-Bissau.

Meeting with members of the African Party for the Independence of Guines-Bissau and the Cape Verde Islands (P.A.I.G.C.), Mr. Elslande said the problem of the country's recognition was currently being discussed by the European Economic Community.

Belgium, for its part, recognised the territory's right to independence from Portugal.

The PAIGC has conducted a guerrilla campaign against Portugal for the last decade, and in September last year declared the country's unilateral independence. It recently announced its intention to apply to the next General Assembly of the United Nations for admission as a member.

Portugal however has adamantly refused to grant independence, or recognise the P.A.I.G.C.